News Releases for 2024

(BOISE) – In the midst of the season of giving, I’d like to take a moment to consider what this spirit of generosity looks like in our schools and wider communities. Though this spirit is alive and well in our learning communities year-round, it’s never more visible than during the holiday season. The amount of giving that’s generated in our schools is inspiring, and I’d like to take a moment to give thanks to our educational communities for this generosity.

(BOISE) – Two exemplary high school seniors will represent Idaho in Washington D.C. as part of the prestigious 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education has published updated lists of Centers and Family Day Care Homes that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

(BOISE) – Two Idaho student artists will have their winter-themed artwork featured on the Idaho Department of Education’s 2024 holiday cards.

(BOISE) – Gem Prep: Online has been recognized as Idaho’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School for 2024.

(COEUR D’ALENE) – Lakes Middle School was brimming with excitement this morning as eighth grade math teacher Marcus Ross was surprised with a Milken Educator Award at a schoolwide assembly in front of cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. The prestigious national honor – created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken – recognizes exceptional educators for their dedication to excellence in education and is considered the “Oscar of Teaching.” Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield presented the Award, along with its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize that Ross can use however he chooses.

(BOISE) – Recent three-year cohort data from Idaho’s early literacy test, the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI), shows Idaho students making steady progress and that they are arriving to school in the fall with greater proficiency rates and less learning loss during the summer months.

(BOISE) – There are many important events, activities and milestones that take place in classrooms and schools every year. In my opinion, there are few more important than the conversations teachers and parents have, formally, twice a year at parent-teacher conferences. November is one of the months when time is set aside during the school week to discuss needs, progress, achievement, challenges and opportunities to support learning and growth.